Mike Michaloski

Casimir Frank "Mike" Michaloski age 86 of Deerwood died on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby. Mike was born on March 4, 1925 in Buyck MN to Albin and Rose (Malinowski) Michaloski. He attended school through the 8th grade in Buyck and graduated from the Orr High School, class of 1943. He furthered his education at the Virginia Technical College in Virginia and then the Cincinnati College of Embalming in Cincinnati, OH, earning a degree in Mortuary Science. After graduation from high school Mike enlisted in the Army April 4, 1944. He served in the Infantry, with the 10th Armored Division in the European African Middle Eastern Theater of WWII. He was involved in the taking the town of Trier, Germany, when he was wounded on April 4, 1945. Mike was discharged on June 6, 1946 as a Sergeant in Graves Registration Division. He earned a Purple Heart and a WWII Victory Medal among other recognitions. On June 2, 1949, he was united in marriage to Genevieve "Jennie" Oberstar at Lady of Lords Catholic Church in Virginia. After their marriage, they resided in Duluth for 18 years. Duringthis time Mike was employed at the Dougherty Funeral Home. One August 1, 1968 Mike purchased the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby. He operated the funeral home until 1987. He continued working with the family at the funeral home until his health declined. Mike is a member of the Friars, Duluth; St. Stanislaus, Duluth; Cuyuna Range Knights of Columbus, serving as treasurer for many years; and a 4th Degree Knight. He was also a member of the DAV and lifetime member of the Myrin-James American Legion Post 443,Ironton; the Garrison VFW #1647. He served on the Board of the 1st National Bank of Crosby;and was a faithful member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Crosby serving on their Finance Committee. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Jennie; 5 daughters, Victoria Zeman of Esko, Michelle (Peter) Ullrich of Duluth, Bobbie (Tom) Bedard of Ironton, Kathy (Brian) Biever of Deerwood and Mary (Nick) Zillmer of Crosby; 10 grandchildren, Colin (Hailey) and Lindsay Zeman,Nicholas Ullrich, Korie and Lisa Bedard, Danny, Brandon and Amy Biever, Megan and Hayden Zillmer; 5 sisters, Helen Eggert of Bemidji, Frances Ofstad of Cusson, Josephine Bronikowski of St. Petersburg, FL, Joan Dobb of Sumner, WA and Nancy Nick of Duluth;many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, and his brother, Joseph. Funeral services will be 11 am on Friday, December 23, 2011 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Crosby.Burial will be at the Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby with full military honors given by the Myrin-James American Legion. Friends may call on Thursday at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby from 3 to 7 pm with a rosary lead by the Cuyuna Range Knights of Columbus at 7pm. Visitation will continue on Friday 9 am until 10:30 am at the funeral home prior to the mass at church.